So how will today's cricket fans explain the Rhodes phenomenon to their grandchildren in 50 years' time?
They will tell them that Rhodes effectively made fielding cool.

He inspired youngsters to hurl themselves at the ball, and took some of the most outrageous catches ever.

And his exuberance inspired coaches all round the world to make sure all fielders would give 100% commitment.

Above all, his constant clapping and shouting - inspiring his bowlers and irritating the opposing batsmen no end - created an irresistible buzz in any match that South Africa played.

'Hell of a blow'

As a junior, Rhodes shone in football and hockey.

In fact so good was his hockey that if South Africa had qualified for the Olympics in 1992, Rhodes may well have gone to Barcelona rather than play in the World Cup that year.

And the epilepsy from which he suffers has at no stage undermined his ability to perform at the highest level.

Now, if the World Cup runs to form and Australia meet South Africa at the Wanderers on 23 March, not only will we miss the presence of the best spinner ever in the final in Shane Warne, but also the
finest fielder as well.

And however well Messrs Pollock, Gibbs, Gilchrist and Lee perform, it simply won't be the same.

As former South African bowler Fanie de Villiers said: "He's the best thing that South African cricket ever had, both on and off the field. It's a hell of a blow."